KNF recalls founder Nehlun Kipgen
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, October 12 2015: Kuki National Front (KNF), the vocal propagator of the idea of Kukiland movement, observed the 22nd death anniversary of its founder Nehlun Kipgen as Martyrs' Day along with paying rich tributes at Camp Ebenezer today.

In commemoration of Martyrs' Day, members of the KNF, the oldest Kuki armed group founded on May 18, 1987 at Molnoi in Burma, gathered this morning at Camp Ebenezer and paid fitting tributes to the late leader and all deceased cadres who have made the supreme sacrifice.

A condolence parade lead by Hs Romeo, Commanding Officer, Camp Ebenezer, Natheljang Sadar Hills was also conducted where the members also saluted the departed souls before Rev Th Kipgen, Chaplain, Camp Ebenezer invoked the solidarity and blessing prayer.

KNF recalls founder Nehlun Kipgen

Speaking at the occasion, KNF chief ST Thangboi recalled that Nehlun Kipgen was born in 1957 at Khoripoh village in Sadar Hills as the third son of Jangkhomang Kipgen and Limkholhing Kipgen and added that he began his campaign to set up Kuki armed movement at Indo-Burma border area in December 1986 .

The KNF supremo continued that in the first meeting at Saihaphoh village in Burma, the KNF founder pointed out that absence of self-governance and political autonomy has brought untold misery and sufferings to the Kuki people.

He further said that later on May 18, 1988, the first raising day of KNF was celebrated at Molnoi village in Burma with the support and encouragement of Kuki chiefs and public where it [KNF] was declared as the Kuki people's representative and was given the public mandate to carry forward the revolutionary movement.

Unfortunately, Nehlun died a martyr's death in the hands of the security personnel on October 12, 1993 at Motbung and his mortal remains were laid to rest at the present memorial site at Phaijang village after befitting tributes by Kuki leaders and cadres of KNF, ST Thangboi recounted.

While paying sincere honour to the fallen leaders and cadres ST Thangboi reminded the cadres of the supreme sacrifices of the founder while adding that the sacrifice was a seed that he had sown for the cadres to nurture and bring to fruition.

The KNF chief also urged all KNF members to move forward not by might or wisdom of the outfit but by the power of God in protecting the interest of the Kukis and fight for the rights to self-governance guaranteed to all citizens of India by its Constitution.

He also affirmed that KNF would stand for the people, Nation, and land at this juncture and continue to struggle for self-governance so as to ensure that all the people live in peace and harmony and prosper together.